BLUES have fended off competition from Arsenal to sign teenage prodigy Artur Krysiak.

The 17-year-old goalkeeper - from the Lodz Academy, in Poland - impressed during a recent trial at the club.

Goalkeeping coach Nigel Spink was highly impressed with Krysiak, who played 45 minutes in a private friendly against Crewe Alexandra, helping to keep a clean sheet, and a three-year contract was agreed.

Krysiak will provide competition to Colin Doyle, aged 21, and 19-year-old Adam Legzdins in the battle to eventually replace Northern Ireland international Maik Taylor as the club's first choice.